Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Capryloyl salicylic acid is a gentle, oil-soluble form of salicylic acid (often called LHA) used in UK skincare to exfoliate, smooth and clarify the skin without the irritation commonly associated with traditional BHA.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, capryloyl salicylic acid works as a lipophilic beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates the lipid-rich skin barrier more gradually than standard salicylic acid. It gently loosens the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface and within the upper layers of the stratum corneum, promoting smoother texture, refined pores and improved radiance while helping to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Key benefits
- Gentle exfoliation for smoother skin texture
- Helps unclog and refine the appearance of pores
- Promotes a brighter, more even complexion
- Supports skin clarity and reduces the look of blemishes
- Lipid-soluble so it disperses well in creams and serums
- Suitable for daily use with less irritation than traditional salicylic acid
Best for
oily skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin, mature skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Capryloyl salicylic acid is a derivative of salicylic acid obtained from the wintergreen plant or synthetic sources, esterified with caprylic acid (a fatty acid typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil).
Products with Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Capryloyl Salicylic Acid than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.
- SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Toner (2 x 200ml) Duo SkinCeuticals